Friday 30 April
Lippi confirms Juve exit
Football Italia
Juventus boss Marcello Lippi has announced that he will leave the club at the end of this season. The tactician has been rumoured to be on his way out of Turin and he's today confirmed his departure.
"I'm leaving and I won't be Coaching any more teams," he said on Thursday. "I still have a year left on my contract but I haven't asked for a penny.
"I've refused contact with any other sides. I've been approached by numerous teams but I've declined them all.
"In 10 years here I have had some fantastic players, some of whom can still offer something to a new Coach. I will just limit myself now to thank everyone."
Lippi and the club have both agreed to terminate their relationship after a testing season in Turin. "The club tried to keep hold of me until the very end," added the tactician. "They even offered me a technical director's role.
"But I prefer to end it here. I think this is the right time that our beautiful story together should conclude."
Lippi has won numerous honours during his two spells with the Bianconeri. He's led the side to five Italian titles, one European Cup, one Italian Cup, one Intercontinental Cup, one European Super Cup and two Italian Super Cups.
Parma boss Cesare Prandelli is the favourite to replace Lippi at the Stadio Delle Alpi in the summer. He should just pip Monaco tactician Didier Deschamps and Gigi Del Neri of Chievo to the role.
Lippi may now take a year out even if he has been linked with moves to Chelsea, Real Madrid and the Italian national job.
"I'm an Italy fan but I also support Giovanni Trapattoni who I hope can remain in charge for as long as possible," he added. "Obviously all people in my profession would be honoured to become a national team manager.
"But I'm not hanging around in the hope that the job becomes free. I don't intend to be anybody's shadow."
Parma's Gilardino aware of Juventus interest
Tribal Football
Juventus have approached Parma about attacking midfielder Alberto Gilardino. After several weeks of circling, Juve are making their move for the Italian international as Parma battle against massive financial problems.
Parma coach Cesare Prandelli is also interesting Juve as a potential replacement for Marcello Lippi and Gilardino has spoken openly about following his trainer to another club.
"Juve? At the moment it's just talk. My main focus is the national team. They might be talking about me in Turin, but I only know what is happening from the newspapers."
Chelsea make offer for Juventus ace Nedved
Tribal Football
Chelsea have reportedly tabled a bid to Juventus for midfielder Pavel Nedved. Despite the Czech Republic international's fade out in the second-half of the season, Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is still keen to bring the 32 year-old to London next season.
Italian press reports suggest Abramovich has offered £10 million, rising to £16 million depending on appearances and success, for Nedved. While reluctant to sell the midfielder, Juve chief Luciano Moggi knows he'll never get another offer like it for a player of Nedved's age.
Capello: Emerson will go
Football Italia
Roma boss Fabio Capello has already waved goodbye to his influential midfielder Emerson. The Brazilian is set to leave the Italian capital at the end of this season and Capello has confirmed that he will be sold.
The tactician broke the news to a Spanish radio station when he was asked whether Francesco Totti would be sacrificed to Real Madrid. "Totti is not for sale," he told Radio Marca. "It would be like Real Madrid selling Raul. The only departure will be that of Emerson."
The South American only has a year left on his contract at the Olimpico but talks over a new deal have stalled. That is basically down to the uncertain financial future that currently surrounds the club as Franco Baldini has confirmed.
"At this moment in time we can't make any promises to Emerson," said the sporting director. "However, stories suggesting that he has asked us to sell him are false."
It now seems almost certain that the former Bayer Leverkusen ace will be on his way out of the capital. Juventus are understood to be very keen on the player but he is likely to join either Chelsea or Inter.
Sculli wants Juve move
Football Italia
Giuseppe Sculli says he hopes to return to Juventus once his loan spell at Chievo comes to an end. The Under-21 international has had a difficult season in Verona but believes he's ready for the Old Lady.
"Juventus director general Luciano Moggi is set to recall a host of youngsters that are currently on loan elsewhere," said the 23-year-old. "I hope that he considers me when he decides who will be in the next season's first team squad.
"I admit that I haven't played too much this season but I have learned a lot from Coach Gigi Del Neri. I am ready to be part of a great team."
Meanwhile, one player that seems to be heading out of the Delle Alpi is defender Igor Tudor. The Croatian international, valued at around £5m, has admitted that his future is unclear and a summer sale looms.
Reports suggest that Ruud Gullit, who will be the Feyenoord boss next term, is very interested.
Feyenoord's Gullit in Juventus talks over Tudor
Tribal Football
Feyenoord coach-in-waiting Ruud Gullit has held talks with Juventus this week over defender Igor Tudor. The Croatia international is also interesting Dutch rivals Ajax and appears on his way out of Turin at the end of the season.
Gullit was in the Italian city on Tuesday to discuss Tudor with Juve officials. Feyenoord must match Juve's £5 million asking price for the defender.
Valencia ask Brescia about Juventus target Matuzalem
Tribal Football
Valencia are interested in Brescia midfielder Matuzalem. The 22 year-old Brazilian is rated at over £7 million by Brescia, which are also fielding enquiries by Juventus about the midfielder.
Matuzalem's contract runs to 2006, but after five years in Italy believes he is ready to join a bigger club. Valencia have made their interest known to Brescia, though the Serie A club are believed to be happier dealing with Juve.
Inter Milan step up transfer efforts
Tribal Football
Inter Milan are stepping up efforts for squad strengthening next season. Feelers have been sent out for Lazio fullback Giuseppe Favalli, who could sign a two-year deal with Inter in the summer. Chievo Verona midfielder Simone Perrotta is also on Inter's shopping list.
Meanwhile, 31 year-old defender Fabio Cannavaro could be sacrificed to raise funds, with the Italian international being linked with Real Madrid. Parma fullback Matteo Ferrari is another interesting Inter, though Manchester United and Juventus are also chasing the 25 year-old.
Agent: Robinho dreaming of Barcelona
Tribal Football
The agent of Santos whiz-kid Robinho insists Barcelona are favourites to land the youngster - despite the interest of Inter Milan.
Wagner Ribeiro said, "I'm in regular contact with the Catalan leadership and my client has always dreamed of playing in the Barcelona colours.
"But also our Italian customers are making themselves known."
Barcelona chief watches Milan target Fabiano
Tribal Football
Barcelona vice-president Sandro Rosell was in Budapest this week to watch Brazilian international striker Luis Fabiano. AC Milan chief Ariedo Braida was also at the game between Brazil and Hungary to watch Fabiano, having already initiated talks with the striker's club, Sao Paulo.
Fabiano, 23, has declared he'd welcome a move to Milan, where good friend Kaka now plays. However, his head could be turned by Barca, where he would be playing alongside rising star Ronaldinho in attack.
Valencia challenge Chelsea for PSG's Heinze
Tribal Football
Valencia are battling Chelsea for Paris Saint Germain fullback Gabriel Heinze. The Argentina international is wanted by both European giants for next season and is rated at around £3.5 million.
Chelsea made a move for Heinze in January, but PSG refused to sell. Valencia also tried, but didn't have enough in their budget to push through the deal.
Heinze, 26, is a former Real Valladolid player and is good friends with Valencia defender Andoni Carboni.
Thursday 29 April
Italy 1 - 1 Spain
Football Italia
Roberto Baggio's Azzurri swansong ends in a draw and he very nearly scored, but Christian Vieri ensured honours were even with Spain.
This is the Azzurri's final test before Euro 2004, but the atmosphere was one of joy and commemoration as 37-year-old Roberto Baggio made his first Italy appearance since 1999, taking his career caps to 56. Before kick-off a visibly moved Baggio saluted the fans, who unveiled a giant Number 10 jersey along the stands of the Stadio Luigi Ferraris.
The Divine Ponytail has confirmed his retirement at the end of this season and so Giovanni Trapattoni opted to give him one final cap - even if the Coach hinted that the door to Euro 2004 was not closed. Lazio veteran Angelo Peruzzi also earned a spot after his stunning performances in Serie A.
The real experiments were in defence, where Inter duo Fabio Cannavaro and Marco Materazzi took the central roles between attacking fullbacks Christian Panucci and Gianluca Zambrotta. Milan's Andrea Pirlo and Lazio star Stefano Fiore were also given another chance in midfield.
There were several top stars out through injury as Francesco Totti, Antonio Cassano, Alessandro Nesta, Pippo Inzaghi and Alessandro Del Piero are at home.
Spain had the first chance and after three minutes Fernando Morientes allowed Raul to spring the offside trap, but Gianluigi Buffon was ready to narrow the angle and make a good save. The visitors thought they had taken the lead when Buffon spilled a deflected Albelda effort into the path of Helguera, but the goal was disallowed for an offside position.
The Azzurri hit back and Baggio managed to resist three tackles inside the box before cutting across for Simone Perrotta, but the Chievo midfielder's effort was charged down. Play was temporarily halted after 25 minutes when Materazzi accidentally clattered into Raul's elbow, but the Inter man was able to carry on after treatment.
Italy slowly began to get into the game and Di Vaio saw another low drive blocked by some desperate defending. On the resulting corner a curling Baggio effort reached Materazzi at the far post, but the angle was too narrow.
Trap's men seemed happy to give Spain plenty of possession so they could charge forward on the counter-attack, but it was a risky tactic and Morientes saw his shot deflected over the bar. Albelda's left-foot lob was also off target, although the goalkeeper seemed to have it covered, then Christian Vieri ballooned a good chance well over.
Just before the break Baggio's header on a beautifully lifted Andrea Pirlo free kick nearly gave Italy a stunning opener.
The 1993 FIFA World Player of the Year was further honoured in the second half as he was given the captain's armband after Fabio Cannavaro was substituted. Veteran goalkeeper Angelo Peruzzi was also on after the break for his first Azzurri appearance in five years.
Milan midfielder Massimo Ambrosini replaced Perrotta to provide a bit more muscle, while Spain introduced young starlet Fernando Torres.
Italy had a great chance at the dawn of the second half when Casillas ran off his line and a goallince clearance was needed on Vieri's header, but the Inter striker was in an offside position.
Marco Di Vaio chested down a splendid Fiore pass, but his half-volley was too weak to trouble Casillas. Moments later the Juventus forward skipped past Manuel Pablo only for the goalkeeper to intercept his cutback towards Vieri.
Instead, it was Spain that broke the deadlock after 53 minutes. Substitute Fernando Torres swept home an angled drive after Albelda had taken the ball off Ambrosini in midfield.
The lead lasted just two minutes before the Azzurri grabbed an equaliser. A Pirlo free kick was cleared out wide to Fiore, but his fine cross back in was met by a powerful Christian Vieri header - his 22nd international goal. Trapattoni's side has now scored for 18 consecutive games.
The game sprung to life and Peruzzi was called into a brilliant save, at full stretch to block a Torres chip after he sprung the offside trap, while Xavi fired just over the bar.
Trap made a tactical change on the hour mark, taking off striker Di Vaio for fullback Giuseppe Favalli, allowing Gianluca Zambrotta to take a more advanced role.
The crowd was on its feet on 68 minutes when Baggio managed to nod the ball past Casillas and the angle was too narrow to get it on target, but the move was disallowed anyway for a very close offside decision.
Moments later he found space on the edge of the box, but was unable to get his effort through the sea of legs.
Torres was a constant danger and Peruzzi got down well to block his shot from 20 metres.
The Coach made three simultaneous substitutions to experiment Zambrotta in a central midfield role, while Sampdoria star Aimo Diana made his international debut in his 'home' stadium.
There was real danger when Spain broke free from an Italy free kick, but Parma defender Matteo Ferrari performed a crucial tackle on Valeron in the box.
Zambrotta was brought down on the very edge of the area and Baggio stepped up with a taut free kick, but Santiago Canizares was not fooled at his near post.
Baggio was granted a standing ovation with a substitution five minutes from time. The entire Stadio Luigi Ferraris stood to applaud this legendary figure and he was almost in tears as he saluted the fans.
His replacement Fabrizio Miccoli immediately terrorised the Spanish defence and took the ball past Canizares, but the goalkeeper was able to recover his position.
Diana was lively in his first Italy match and his low cross was cleared with great difficulty by Juanito before Bernardo Corradi could pounce.
Baggio: Grazie Italia!
Football Italia
Roberto Baggio claims this was the happiest night of his international career and took the opportunity to thank his legions of fans.
"I wasn't supposed to be on the field for that long," he revealed, "but the Coach left me on longer hoping that I might score. It wasn't to be." The Divine Ponytail did go very close to getting on the scoresheet with a free kick and first half header, but after 56 caps his tally remains at 27 goals.
This friendly game became a celebration for the 37-year-old who will retire at the end of this season. "This is very satisfying for me and I must thank all those people who showed me such affection not only tonight, but throughout my career."
However, Baggio did not suggest he would be back in the Azzurri jersey for the Euro 2004 tournament in Portugal. "This was obviously a very special night for me as it is the last one. I really wanted to play and unfortunately wasn't 100 per cent fit, but I now have a few more League games left."
The veteran was even in doubt to feature for this friendly game, as he suffered a slight muscular problem during Sunday's 1-1 draw with Perugia. "My leg troubled me again and this is one of the main reasons behind my decision to retire," he confessed, "but I wanted this match so much that I played through the pain."
The Stadio Luigi Ferraris was turned into a shrine to Baggio and he admits it was a moving experience. "The nicest things said to me tonight were the banners and chants from the crowd. These are words that will remain etched upon my heart."
There was also a special gift from his teammates to mark the occasion with a career first. "I must thank Christian Panucci especially, as he was meant to wear the captain's armband for the second half, but he handed it over to me. It was the first time I had ever worn it."
Retirement now seems inevitable at the end of the season and Baggio tried to dampen reports he would stay on for another year at Brescia, Anderlecht or even Fiorentina. "This moment is not easy for me, but it has to happen to everyone eventually. I thank all the clubs who have contacted me, but my choice has been made and it is unlikely I'll go back on it."
"I am nonetheless a professional and always aim to have the best, so if this means Euro 2004 I'll be very happy. If not, I'll still be content with what I have."
Giovanni Trapattoni hinted during the press conference that he was considering Baggio as part of the squad flying to Portugal. "Trapattoni said he leaves the door open for everyone and that also applies to me, but that is it. I already thank him for giving me this opportunity."
When asked to look back over his long Italy career and find his favourite moment, Baggio took an unusual decision. "Tonight is certainly the international match that I will love the most. In a career you go on to win many trophies and games, but it's so rare to feel such emotion and love from a crowd."
The 1993 FIFA World Player of the Year and Balon d'Or winner also mentioned who he considers to be his heir. "Andrea Pirlo is a great player with immense talent and I think he will go on to become a fantastic star for Italy and Milan."
Baggio is now walking towards the future and could give up on football altogether, although there are plenty of job offers as a pundit. "I think that when I hang up my boots I'll want to do something else with my life," he smiled, "but we'll see what happens in the future. Thank you to everyone."
Thank you, Roberto.
Gilardino up for Euro 2004
Football Italia
Parma youngster Alberto Gilardino has told Italy boss Giovanni Trapattoni that he is available for Euro 2004. "For now I'm just thinking about the Under-21 side," said the striker. "But if Trap wanted me then I would happily scrap my holiday plans."
Gilardino has been talked about as a possible contender to make the squad after a splendid season at the Stadio Tardini. The former Piacenza baby has scored 18 goals in Serie A this season, with just Milan's Andriy Shevchenko and Francesco Totti of Roma above him in the charts.
And with Pippo Inzaghi a doubt for the Finals because of fitness problems, Gilardino could get a surprise call. The Juventus target is certainly in good form as he netted twice in 27 minutes last night during the Azzurrini's 4-0 win over Sweden.
"I'm happy but there are some important matches still to come this season," added Gilardino. "I have three League games left with Parma and then there is the Under-21 European Championships. Hopefully I'll have enough in the tank to make an impact."
Oddo in new Juve link
Football Italia
Juventus have renewed their interest in the services of Lazio's international full-back Massimo Oddo. The 27-year-old has been on Luciano Moggi's hit list for over a year and a deal could finally be done.
The Azzurri player, who is set to feature at Euro 2004, is tied to the capital club until 2007 but an agreement may be reached. Juventus are said to be ready to offer £3m plus the services of two of their most promising youngsters. Both Davide Chiumiento and Raffaele Palladino, who were instrumental in their Viareggio victory, could be sent there on loan.
Oddo's proposed arrival would increase speculation that Lilian Thuram is on his way out of the club. The Frenchman has had a nightmare campaign and his future at the Stadio Delle Alpi is in doubt.
However, there is the possibility that Thuram could be switched from a right-back to a central defender. Juventus have had their problems in the centre of defence after Nicola Legrottaglie's failure to settle in Turin.
Morientes eyes Italy move
Football Italia
Spanish international Fernando Morientes has opened the door for a summer switch to Serie A. The striker has been linked with both Roma and Juventus recently after an excellent season at Monaco.
He won't remain in the Principality though as he is set to return to Real Madrid once his loan period comes to an end. However, the forward has failed to rule out the possibility of leaving the European giants for good.
"I still have one year left on my contract with Real," he said. "Would I come to Italy? Why not. Serie A fascinates me."
Reports suggest that Roma could make a move by offering either Walter Samuel or Emerson to Real as part of the deal. Juventus are said to be lining up a similar move with Lilian Thuram being offered to the Madrid outfit in exchange for the youngster.
Roma want Mexes as Samuel replacement
Tribal Football
AS Roma will challenge Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal for Auxerre's want-away defender Philippe Mexes over the close-season. Mexes is leaving Auxerre and courting interest from all three Premiership clubs. However, Roma are also joining the race as they prepare for the sale of Walter Samuel to Chelsea.
Roma GM Franco Baldini has been in regular contact with the Mexes family for over four years and has a good friendship with Philippe. Baldini is expected to make Mexes aware of Roma's interest in the coming days as details of Samuel's move to London are finalised.
Inter Milan prepare bid for Lecce's Ledesma
Tribal Football
Inter Milan are closing in on Lecce's young midfielder Cristian Ledesma. The former Boca Juniors player has been with Lecce for two years and has emerged as Inter's prime midfield target for summer - ahead of Roma's Emerson and Chelsea star Frank Lampard.
Still only 21, those close to Ledesma are confident he is now capable of making the jump to a big club after a superb first season in the Serie A.
Betis ace Joaquin: Chelsea talk scared me
Tribal Football
Real Betis winger Joaquin has admitted he is likely to be on the move at the end of the season. Betis have fielded enquiries from both Real Madrid and Chelsea for Joaquin in recent months and the youngster said: "I believe it will be easier for them (Betis) to sell me this summer than last year.
"Amongst other things because they (interested clubs) will pay more money for me. But if I do go I would like to choose the club. If the (Betis) president (Manuel Ruiz de Lopera) feels that I must leave then he will have to do it.
"But it is clear to me, I don't want to move from Spain, I'd even like to stay with my Betis. But if they sell me I would prefer it to be to a Spanish team. To (Real) Madrid? Then, yes."
On Chelsea's interest, he continued: "When the Chelsea thing came up I was very nervous. All the media were calling me. I didn't know what was going on. I said to myself, 'Perhaps they have sold me?' I thought this because neither the president nor my father (and agent) told me anything.
"The Russian (Abramovich) is one of the few people who is able to make a good offer. But also Madrid and Barca could."
Wednesday 28 April
Prandelli in pole for Juve
Football Italia
Parma boss Cesare Prandelli is understood to be the new favourite to replace Marcello Lippi at Juventus. The latter is set to quit the Turin giants in the summer as the club prepare to start a new era at the Stadio Delle Alpi. Many believed that Didier Deschamps of Monaco was first in the queue but Prandelli is now in pole position.
Patron Umberto Agnelli is understood to be very keen on the Parma boss who did star as a midfielder for Juventus in the past. The proposed appointment of Prandelli could now push Deschamps towards Chelsea, with Gigi Del Neri being left disappointed. Rumours circulating around the peninsula claim that the Chievo boss had already held talks with director general Luciano Moggi.
Prandelli isn't set to be the only piece of the Parma jigsaw to be heading north at the end of the season. Manuele Blasi will return to Turin once his season long loan spell at the Stadio Tardini expires.
Star striker Alberto Gilardino is reportedly very close to becoming a Bianconeri player after a fine season. Defenders Matteo Ferrari and Daniele Bonera are also understood to be on the Juventus wish list.
Many are expecting a mass revolution at Juve in the summer after a highly disappointing term. Stories today suggest that the club are ready to listen to offers for any of their players apart from Gigi Buffon, Gianluca Zambrotta and Alex Del Piero.
All of the players, excluding those on international duty, are currently in a training camp after their humiliating 4-3 home defeat to Lecce on Sunday.
Juventus raid Parma for Prandelli, players
Tribal Football
Parma coach Cesare Prandelli is emerging as the frontrunner to replace Marcello Lippi at Juventus next season.
Juve are understood to have tabled a two-year contract offer to Prandelli, whose demands are a great deal more modest than his nearest competition, AS Monaco trainer Didier Deschamps.
Juve are already in talks Parma about a number of their players and there is a real possibility that Prandelli will find himself working with no less than four of his current team if he does land the Turin job.
Parma defenders Daniele Bonera and Matteo Ferrari, attacker Alberto Gilardino and midfielder Manuele Blasi, who is co-owned by Juve, are all in the defending champion's sights for next season.
Juventus close to deal for Lazio's Oddo
Tribal Football
Lazio wing-back Massimo Oddo is close to a deal with Juventus. The two clubs have been in extended negotiations over the Italian international and Juve are ready to offer £1.5 million plus two loan players for Oddo.
Oddo's contract expires in 2007.
U21: Four-Star Azzurrini
Football Italia
Alberto Gilardino confirmed his fantastic form with a brace in tonight's 4-0 international friendly win over Sweden. It took the Parma hitman just 27 minutes to hit the back of the net twice in this last test before the European Under-21 Championships.
The opening goal came after a Marco Donadel free kick caused panic in the box, but after Giuseppe Sculli's effort rattled the crossbar Gilardino was ready to pounce with a close-range header.
The Azzurrini laid siege to Alvbage's net with Sculli and Cristian Zaccardo going close, but just before the half-hour mark Gilardino rifled in a fierce left-foot strike.
It was one of the star forward's final contributions, as he was substituted soon after for Brescia's Andrea Caracciolo. The Parma man was allowed to rest, although some claim he will make a surprise senior debut in tomorrow's match against Spain.
Coach Claudio Gentile made a series of changes during the second half but Italy continued to dominate as Sculli set up Caracciolo's header for a third. Chievo striker Sculli played a hand in every goal and put his own name on the scoresheet by nodding in Bologna fullback Zaccardo's cross.
Chievo striker Sculli wants Juventus return
Tribal Football
Chievo Verona striker Giuseppe Sculli hasn't given up on his ambition to make the grade at Juventus.
Sculli has spent the season on-loan at Chievo and revealed: "Juve have many of their young players play away on-loan in order to gain experience: I hope they take me into consideration. I am counting on it.
"This season, with Del Neri, I have learned a lot and I am ready to play for a big team."
Inter Milan move for Man Utd target Lucio, Veron
Tribal Football
Inter Milan supremo Massimo Moratti will push for Bayer Leverkusen defender Lucio and Chelsea's Juan Veron if a Champions League place can be clinched.
Talks have rumbled on with Bayer over Lucio for 12 months, while Moratti has been made aware that Chelsea are ready to offload Veron at the end of the season.
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is mulling over a £10 million bid for Lucio and may be forced to battle Inter for the Brazilian.
AC Milan turn to Rothen after dropping Davids talks
Tribal Football
AC Milan have dropped their interest in Barcelona midfielder Edgar Davids. Currently on-loan at Barcelona, Davids is demanding a four-year contract worth £2.7 million-a-season - too rich for Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani.
Instead, Galliani has turned his attentions to AS Monaco midfielder Jerome Rothen, with talks for the 26 year-old having already commenced.
Tuesday 27 April
Emerson deal claim denied
Football Italia
Roma have labelled reports that Juventus have agreed to sign Emerson as pure speculation. The Turin based 'Tuttosport' claimed yesterday that the Bianconeri had finalised terms with the capital outfit.
However, Giallorossi sporting director Franco Baldini has rubbished the stories. "Emerson to Juventus? They are just rumours," he said. It was alleged that the Delle Alpi side had agreed to pay £11m for the former Bayer Leverkusen ace.
Juventus are set to pep up their midfield during the summer transfer window and Emerson is available. The international only has a year left on his contract at the Stadio Olimpico and he isn't set to renew it. Given the fact that he would be a free agent next summer, he will be sold by Roma at the end of this campaign.
However, Juventus are not the only club that are interested in the ace as Real Madrid, Inter and Chelsea are among other keen parties.
Roma keen on Morientes
Football Italia
Roma have reportedly targeted Fernando Morientes to become their new centre forward for next season. The Giallorossi are in the market for a target man and the Spanish ace would be welcomed by boss Fabio Capello.The Olimpico side have played for the majority of this season without a main forward as Francesco Totti and Antonio Cassano have been used in tandem. Vincenzo Montella has been constantly affected by injuries, while Marco Delvecchio and John Carew have failed to impress.
Morientes is currently on loan with Monaco but he is expected to rejoin Real Madrid in the summer. However, they are set to sell him given the tough competition for striking places in the Spanish capital.
Capello is a massive fan of the 28-year-old as he got the club to sign him while he was at Real Madrid. Although the two never worked together as Capello left, they could be united for the 2004/05 campaign. Roma could net the international by offering either Walter Samuel or Emerson in any proposed deal.
Meanwhile, Roma have also been linked with a move for Patrick Muller. The Swiss defender, 27, is expected to leave Lyon.
Juventus to trump Hamburg for Finn Eremenko
Tribal Football
Juventus are threatening to trump Hamburg for HJK Helsinki midfielder Alexei Eremenko. The 21 year-old Finnish international was all set to move to the Bundesliga, only for a phone all from Juve chief Luciano Moggi to stall negotiations.
It's understood Moggi has told HJK they're willing to offer £1.4 million for Eremenko, 21, who has had extensive experience in Russia with Spartak and Dinamo Moscow.
Monaco coach Deschamps too rich for Juventus
Tribal Football
AS Monaco coach Didier Deschamps has priced himself out of a move to Juventus. Juve powerbrokers have been turned off by Deschamps' asking price and instead are now looking at two Italian coaches to replace Marcello Lippi.
Parma trainer Cesare Prandelli and Luigi del Neri have been contacted by Juve and made preliminary two-year contract offers.
Chelsea have Monaco coach Deschamps on shortlist
Tribal Football
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is prepared to bring Didier Deschamps back to Stamford Bridge. The AS Monaco trainer reportedly priced himself out of a move to Juventus following talks with club officials last week.
However, the Mirror says Abramovich has pencilled in Deschamps as his fallback option in the event he fails to convince Porto coach Jose Mourinho to move to London in the summer.
Ajax coach plans sale of Man Utd target Van der Vaart
Tribal Football
Ajax coach Ronald Koeman has confirmed he expects to lose midfielder Rafael van der Vaart at the end of the season. The Holland international is a top target for Manchester United, though is also courting interest from Barcelona and Inter Milan.
"Looking at the number 10 role, Pienaar is capable of getting through the defence far better than van der Vaart," Koeman told Algemeen Dagblad. "If van der Vaart moves on in the summer, then we have his replacement already in our squad.
"Van der Vaart is a scorer of goals and will always score more than Pienaar, so the other players will have to take on extra goalscoring responsibilities. An on-form van der Vaart is great for the team, but Pienaar is better for the team as a whole."
Monday 26 April
Juventus 3 - 4 Lecce
Football Italia
Alessandro Del Piero returned with a goal, but Juventus are humiliated by relegation battlers Lecce's first ever victory in Turin.
Juve still have a slim hope of capturing second place off Roma, so they fielded an all-attack side against Lecce. Marco Di Vaio, Pavel Nedved, Fabrizio Miccoli and David Trezeguet all started together, while Igor Tudor replaced the injured Alessio Tacchinardi.
Alessandro Del Piero was on the bench and made his comeback in the second half, two months after his calf strain.
Lecce are desperate for points that will ensure their safety in Serie A and had already held the Bianconeri to a 1-1 draw in December. Javier Ernesto Chevanton was again the main danger man.
It took just two minutes to break the deadlock with Trezeguet at the Stadio Delle Alpi. The Frenchman tapped in Gianluca Zambrotta's deflected cutback from a corner kick.
Trezeguet was relishing the service and his header was well saved by Vincenzo Sicignano after a splendid Fabrizio Miccoli cross.
On 23 minutes Gianluigi Buffon was called to punch out a fierce Axel Konan effort, but the goalkeeper was at fault for the equaliser moments later. The shot-stopper only parried Cristian Ledesma's drive after he had sprung the offside trap and Daniele Franceschini pounced on the loose ball.
Juve's top-heavy tactics played right into Lecce's hands and they took a shock lead on the half-hour mark. Konan charged up the field on the counter-attack and slammed a powerful rising effort into the roof of the net, although Buffon was again not entirely without blame.
The Bianconeri tried to fight back and a free kick from Lecce-born Miccoli skimmed the upright, but Chevanton ran away from Nicola Legrottaglie and hit cutback just failed to reach Franceschini.
Marcello Lippi realised this tactic was not working, so he removed striker Di Vaio for fullback Gianluca Pessotto, returning Zambrotta to a more advanced role.
But the defence was continually terrorised by Lecce's young and pacey strikers, so just before the break Konan scored a spectacular solo effort. The teenage Ivory Coast starlet skipped past three tackles and placed an accurate finish past Buffon with the inside of his right foot.
Lippi completed his substitutions at the dawn of the second half, switching Zambrotta back to a fullback role with Enzo Maresca boosting the midfield, while Del Piero made his comeback in place of Miccoli.
But it only got worse for the Bianconeri supporters, as Chevanton made it 4-1 to little Lecce by springing the offside trap on Ledesma's through ball and sliding his angled drive past Buffon.
Juventus managed to close the gap on 56 minutes when Maresca was left completely unmarked for a free header on Del Piero's free kick, but Lecce remained consistently dangerous every time they went past the half-way line.
Del Piero made his mark in the first game for almost two months as he brought the result back to 4-3 with an angled drive. Lecce were upset that this goal was allowed to stand as two players were down injured further up the field.
Both sides had great scoring chances in the closing stages as Buffon blocked Chevanton's effort, while Del Piero's lob was off target.
Post-Match Comments
Marcello Lippi: "This was not a good day for us and the tactical system is not to blame. We have allowed our opponents too many chances with both set-ups. I won't point the finger at any one area of the squad and never have done. Second place is now out of our grasp, probably."
Furious Juventus coach Lippi won't talk about future
Tribal Football
A furious Juventus trainer Marcello Lippi refused to speak about his future after yesterday's 4-3 home shock by Lecce.
Lippi was also asked about David Trezeguet's situation, but snapped: "It is not the moment in order to make a speech about my future, the staff or a player.
"You should only talk about these things when things are cooler. You must understand that. It's not right to talk about people's futures just after you have lost a game like this."
Juve punish disappointing players
Football Italia
Juventus have punished their players for today's 4-3 home defeat by throwing all the players and Coach into a pre-match training camp.
"We are all going into a ritiro from this evening," confirmed Marcello Lippi following the humiliating setback to Lecce. "This is a decision made by the club and it applies to everyone, except those players called for international duty."
The Bianconeri have been struggling throughout the last few months, but the shambolic display against relegation battlers Lecce proved the final straw. Nonetheless, it is a very unusual move for Juventus to put their players in a pre-match training camp for an entire week, as it is usually a tactic taken by the smaller Italian sides.
"This wasn't a good day for us," continued the tactician, "and the system we used was not to blame. We have given our opponents too many chances with both set-ups."
Lippi was under fire for fielding a top-heavy side with four forwards and attacking fullbacks, a tactic that allowed counter-attack specialists Lecce to thrive. It now looks as if Juventus have lost all hope of capturing second place off Roma, so they will have to go through the qualifying round for the Champions' League.
"Probably this is the end of our bid for second," admitted the Coach, "as it really is too difficult now."
Juve's one remaining objective is now the Coppa Italia, but they have already lost the first leg of the Final 2-0 to Lazio.
Man Utd ponder £10M bid for Bayer Leverkusen's Lucio
Tribal Football
Manchester United are considering a £10 million bid for Bayer Leverkusen defender Lucio. The Brazilian international has admitted he is ready to leave the Bundesliga in the summer and has received contact from Juventus, Chelsea and Real Madrid.
The News of the World says United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is considering spending a significant portion of his summer transfer budget on Lucio.
Sunday 25 April
Juventus v Lecce: Preview
ESPN Soccernet
The return of Alessandro Del Piero for Sunday's game against Lecce at the Delle Alpi stadium will be a boost for Juventus. The Italian international is keen to put behind what has been a difficult campaign when he steps onto the pitch this weekend as he makes a comeback following a spell on the sidelines with a thigh injury.
"This has been a particular bad season for me," confessed Del Piero. "I have had the unfortunate situation to be out of action for a total of four months and this has been a blow."
This was not the first time that the 29-year-old had been sidelined for a long time. Earlier this season, Del Piero was ruled out for two months with a muscle injury.
Injuries have blighted Juventus' campaign with coach Marcello Lippi also having to do without the likes of French striker David Trezeguet, defender Nicola Legrottaglie and now midfielder Alessio Tacchinardi.
"We have had to deal with a different reality than what we expected at the start of the season with several of my team-mates also being injured," admitted Del Piero who has fully recovered from his injury.
The Bianconeri fans may have been accustomed to glory in recent years but will nevertheless be satisfied if Juve finish behind the undisputed Serie A leaders AC Milan.
"Certain people will consider that our aims are secondary but if we get the second position in Serie A it will allow us to avoid the preliminary stages of the Champions League," he added.
"I think if we achieve this aim and also clinch the Coppa Italia title, this season will be considered a success."
It will not be an easy task for the Bianconeri with second-placed Roma keen to keep up the pressure on AC. Last weekend's draw against Parma has left Juve trailing four points behind the Giallorossi with four games left to play.
Moreover, opponents Lecce travel to Turin on a high following last weekend's crucial win against Udinese that has placed them four points clear of the relegation zone. However, a defeat to Juve could see them back in dangerous territory.
"We have to try and take points even when in theory it could appear impossible," said Lecce coach Delio Rossi who is hoping to have injured defender Sebastiano Siviglia and midfielder Jorge Bolano fit for Sunday's game.
Lippi will have to do without Tacchinardi who is out for the rest of the season with a problematic knee and defender Paolo Montero is doubtful with an adductor muscle injury. The good news for the home team is that goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon will be available having struggled with a slight muscle injury earlier this week.
Lippi lets Del Piero loose
Football Italia
Marcello Lippi has confirmed that Alessandro Del Piero will play against Lecce and prepares to field an all-attack line-up.
"We will try to make the most of all the weapons at our disposal," noted the Juventus boss. "I saw the side work with the right determination and concentration, so we have the chance to catch Roma in second place."
Finishing as runner-up would enable Juve to avoid the Champions' League preliminary round next season, but four points currently separate the two teams. This match is eagerly awaited for the return of captain Del Piero, who sat on the bench throughout last week's 2-2 draw at Parma.
"This will be the last time that Del Piero has to start from the bench," assured Lippi following his recovery from a calf strain. "This is the final step on his journey to full fitness."
The Italian international has missed much of the campaign with two different muscular strains and is even a doubt for the Euro 2004 tournament. Juventus have struggled in recent weeks and only earned a win over Lazio and a draw at Parma with last-gasp goals.
"I enjoyed our performances in the last fortnight and hope that this Lecce game is on the same level. We only really had the wrong approach in the 3-2 defeat to Inter."
Lecce have already troubled the reigning Champions with a 1-1 draw in Week 14, but the Bianconeri will come out with all guns blazing.
Lippi is considering an all-attack squad with Gianluca Zambrotta in his fullback role, David Trezeguet as lone striker with support from Marco Di Vaio, Pavel Nedved and Fabrizio Miccoli. Alessio Tacchinardi is out for the season with a muscular problem, while Antonio Conte is still out of action, so Igor Tudor takes that midfield position.
Maresca wants Juve answers
Football Italia
Enzo Maresca has been one of Juve's brightest stars this season, but warns his future is far from decided. "As far as I am concerned," insisted the midfielder, "I am more than ready to discuss my contract renegotiation, but all I can do now is wait for an answer from the club."
The 24-year-old former Piacenza and West Brom starlet is only tied to the Turin outfit until 2005, so failure to organise a new contract could see him leave as a free agent next summer.
"I want to know if I should stay," he continued in an interview with Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport, "go out on loan or be sold off."
There is a queue of clubs interested in the services of the former Under-21 international, including Inter and Lazio. "Juventus have many doubts for next season," he concluded, "and one of them is me."
Chelsea ready for Juventus talks over Trezeguet
Tribal Football
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is closing in on Juventus striker David Trezeguet. Juve chiefs Luciano Moggi and Roberto Bettega are expected in London for talks with Chelsea about the French ace, who has reportedly agreed personal terms with Barcelona.
News of the World says Abramovich is bidding to snatch Trezeguet from the hands of Barcelona and bring him to Chelsea in a £10 million deal.
Chelsea bidding for Samuel, Valencia's Ayala
Tribal Football
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is bidding for two of Argentina's top defenders. AS Roma's Walter Samuel and Roberto Ayala of Valencia are both the subject of bids from Chelsea, according to Argie newspaper El Clarin. Its reported Abramovich is offering £25 million for the pair and hopes to have both players at Stamford Bridge in the summer.
The Russian tycoon came close to agreeing a deal for Ayala in January, only to pull out of the transfer after receiving complaints from Chelsea players about the size of the current squad.
Man Utd prepare offer for Monaco fullback Evra
Tribal Football
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is interested in AS Monaco fullback Patrice Evra.Fergie is still on the lookout for a classy left-back, having missed out on Julien Escude and Juan Pablo Sorin in recent seasons.
Evra is a prime target for Juventus, though the Turin giants are baulking at paying Monaco's £6 million asking price. Ferguson would have no problem meeting that price for a player regarded as Bixente Lizarazu's successor in the French national team.
Fabiano excited by AC Milan interest
Tribal Football
Sao Paulo striker Luis Fabiano admits he is excited by the interest of AC Milan. Fabiano is being lined up by Milan as a potential successor to Pippo Inzaghi and talks have already opened with his Brazilian club.
"Playing in Italy would be fantastic, in Milan would be the greatest," said Fabiano. "They're an historical, strong club, a team that boasts in their own right many Brazilians.
"It would be great to play with my friend Kaka again."
Saturday 24 April
Juventus - Lecce Preview
Football Italia
Juventus continue to struggle and face a potentially tricky obstacle in the form of relegation battlers Lecce.
The Bianconeri needed a last-gasp goal from Igor Tudor to save them from defeat at Parma last week, eventually scraping a 2-2 draw at the Tardini. That result saw second place slip further from their grasp and the defence was again torn apart by pacey forwards.
This is a worrying trend, particularly with record-breaking Uruguayan international Javier Ernesto Chevanton coming to Turin.
Lecce's chances of staying in Serie A were given an enormous boost by their 2-1 home win over Udinese, but it has to be noted that their away form this season has been even more impressive.
There is bad injury news for Juve, as Alessio Tacchinardi is probably out with a knee problem, but Alessandro Del Piero could finally make his comeback almost two months after suffering a calf strain.
Marcello Lippi looks likely to shelve the lone striker system by fielding Marco Di Vaio in a slightly wider position to David Trezeguet, but the man who would most relish the chance to start would be Lecce-born Fabrizio Miccoli.
Man Utd watch as Juventus offer Tudor to Ajax in Van der Vaart deal
Tribal Football
Juventus have made a major move for Ajax midfield ace Rafael van der Vaart.
Well aware of Manchester United's push for the youngster, Juve sports chief Luciano Moggi has told Ajax officials he is prepared to add defender Igor Tudor to a cash bid for the player.
Tudor is open to the switch, where he would be guaranteed regular first team football. Van der Vaart has stated his preference would be one of Manchester United or Barcelona if he was to leave Ajax at the end of the season.
Juventus encourage Chelsea, Arsenal to bid for Trezeguet
Tribal Football
Chelsea and Arsenal have leapt ahead of Barcelona in negotiations for Juventus striker David Trezeguet.
A fed-up Juve sports director Luciano Moggi will be in London for talks with both Premiership clubs about Trezeguet's future after becoming frustrated with the antics of intermediaries working for Barca and also Trezeguet's representatives.
A meeting is scheduled for May 4, where Moggi and Roberto Bettega will meet with Chelsea and Arsenal officials to listen to what they're prepared to offer for the French international.
This will follow on from a summit next week in Barcelona, which has already been organised for Moggi to attend in order to negotiate a fee for Trezeguet's transfer. However, Italian press reports are stating the Juve chief would now prefer to sell the striker to a Premiership club after becoming frustrated at Barca's stalling tactics.
Trez set for England?
Football Italia
Three Premiership clubs could join Barcelona in the chase to sign Juventus forward David Trezeguet. The Frenchman is set to leave Turin this summer as talks over a contract extension have stalled. Trezeguet, who is only tied to the club until 2005, wants an improved salary but Juve are set to sell rather than meet his requests.
Barcelona have been strongly linked with the international for some months but a switch to the Premiership could beckon. Chelsea are monitoring the situation, with reports suggesting that they are ready to offer £8m plus Hernan Crespo in exchange. Arsenal too would be interested as they could look to team up Thierry Henry with his French striking partner. Manchester United may also enter the equation if they sell Ruud Van Nistelrooy, who is an alleged Real Madrid target.
Reports in the peninsula suggest that the Bianconeri officials will hold talks with Barca next week to hear their bid. They are then expected to fly to London on May 4 to meet representatives of both Chelsea and Arsenal.
Lucio on the move
Football Italia
Lucio has opened the door for an Italian switch by admitting he will leave Bayer Leverkusen in the summer. The Brazilian defender has been linked with a host of big clubs and he's confirmed he will quit his current side.
"I want to take a step up in my career," said the 25-year-old. "That is why it is necessary to leave Leverkusen. Playing for a bigger team with a better reputation would be the best thing for me personally."
The World Cup winner has been associated with the Italian trio of Milan, Juventus and Inter. However, he has failed to rule out a move to either Bayern Munich or Real Madrid at the end of this campaign.
"Bayern are a great club," he said. "If my family are happy to stay in Germany then I could go there.
"I would also like the chance to star for Real," he added. "It would be great to play in the Spanish League. If I went there then it would be much easier for me to keep scoring regularly than if I left to play in Italy or England."
Chelsea make concrete bid for Roma defender Samuel
Tribal Football
Chelsea have offered AS Roma a cool £17 million for Argentina international Walter Samuel. Roma officials met yesterday with Samuel and his representatives to discuss the offer and all signs are that the centre-half will be on his way to Stamford Bridge in the summer.
Chelsea have also tabled Samuel a five-year contract, worth over £3.5 million-a-season, and hope to tie up an agreement before the close-season transfer window opens.
Dad: Joaquin prefers Real Madrid over Chelsea
Tribal Football
The agent and Dad of Real Betis winger Joaquin says his son isn't interested in moving to Chelsea. Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has offered £22 million for the Spanish international winger and has opened serious talks with Betis president Manuel Ruiz de Lopera.
But Joaquin's Dad said last night: "He's not interested in the Blues. In any case they must first speak with the club. But I'm sure, however, that my son won't accept a transfer to England - his mind is set on Real Madrid, one club who he is fascinated by."
Betis ace Joaquin: I like Chelsea
Tribal Football
Real Betis winger Joaquin has distanced himself from comments made by his Dad, insisting he would be interested in moving to Chelsea in the summer.
The player's father Aurelio Sanchez, who also acts as his agent, said: "I can't see my son playing in London because of the cold, although of course if there were no option...
"The truth is that he is thinking more about Real Madrid."
But Spanish international Joaquin said: "It seems they (Chelsea) are interested and they are negotiating with the (Betis) president (Manuel Ruiz de Lopera). I can't tell you any more - only that I don't dislike Chelsea.
"It seems the Russian (Roman Abramovich) doesn't have any money worries and if he wants to he can sign anyone."
Joaquin added, "I would like to stay in Spain if I had to leave Betis, but I don't know what's going to happen because rumours happen every year and the fact is that I haven't gone yet and I don't see things much different this time around.
"I am only 22-years-old and if Betis consider building an important team why shouldn't I stay."
Kaka urges AC Milan to sign striker Fabiano
Tribal Football
Sao Paulo have opened talks with AC Milan about a close-season deal for striker Luis Fabiano.
On recommendation from Brazilian ace Kaka, Milan chiefs Ariedo Braida and Adriano Galliani have begun negotiations about bringing Fabiano to the San Siro next season. Sao Paulo are asking £7 million for the Brazilian international striker, who has struck over 100 league goals for his club.
Fabiano is being lined up by Milan as a successor to 31 year-old Pippo Inzaghi.
